After an eventful day in New Orleans — from the buzz surrounding the team’s new gold alternates to the retirements of franchise legends Jimmy Graham and Tyrann Mathieu — another roster move quietly slipped under the radar. The Saints waived former undrafted free agent tight end Dallin Holker as training camp opened this morning. The second‑year player out of Colorado State had drawn some intrigue as a potential H‑back option but never managed to carve out a significant role.
Instead, Holker announced on his personal Instagram account that he is retiring from football:
I can’t thank God enough for the opportunity to live out my dream. I’m incredibly grateful for my amazing wife and family — your love and support have meant everything throughout this journey.
After a lot of prayer and conversations with my family and representatives, I’ve decided to retire from football.
I want to thank the New Orleans Saints, Colorado State, BYU, and Lehi High School for believing in me and giving me the chance to chase a dream I’ve had since I was a kid.
Over the past 15 years, football has given me unforgettable memories and lifelong relationships with teammates and coaches — things I’ll always hold close.
Football will always be a part of me, but I’m excited to see what this next chapter holds.
This year should’ve been Holker’s best chance to stick around with injuries to both Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill, who will start training camp on PUP. It’s worth mentioning that Holker dealt with his own ankle injury during minicamp earlier this offseason, and that may have played a part in his decision.
Holker’s most notable moment came in last season’s finale, when he caught two of his three total receptions on the year for 11 yards against Tampa Bay. He ends his brief tenure in New Orleans with three catches for 21 yards and no touchdowns. Good luck to him in what’s next.